The result of ideas to get the creative juices flowing – Davison Index – Davisonindex

When I realized it was my turn to write the column, I panicked a little. I couldnt think of anything introspective or enlightening or particularly interesting to say.

So, I googled things to write about, hoping to find a prompt that would set the mental cogwheels in motion. I found myself sifting through a lot of really stupid ideas, but I was able to ferret out a few gems. Heres a sample of what I found and my reactions:

Whats the most irritating sound in the world?

Thats easy: people chewing loudly. For crying out loud, put the chip in your mouth, close your mouth and chew. Ive had to walk out of more than one Mexican restaurant because of the cacophony of crunching chips. Same goes for slurping coffee, soup and noodles. Its basic table manners.

Ive recently learned that Im not the only one who cant stand the sound of people eating and its actually a disorder called misophonia or selective sound sensitivity syndrome. Ive also learned that giving strangers the look for chewing loudly is often met with steely defiance and attempts to chew even more loudly.

What is something most people dont know about you?

For one, my eyes are super sensitive to light. Thats why Im always wearing my sunglasses, in case you were wondering. Its a condition I inherited from my dad, and both of my sons inherited from me. Apparently, this is also a disorder. Its called photophobia.

Another little-known fact about me: feet creep me out. Go ahead, laugh. Its odd. Even more odd is that this is why I never liked Mr. Rogers Neighborhood when I was a kid (ironically, a kid who ran around barefoot most of the time). Every episode opened with Mr. Rogers changing his shoes. I was always terrified that one day he was going to take off his socks and Id see his feet.

At this point in my hunt for a good writing prompt, I started to become hyper aware that I am really flawed, and I started to dislike the people who make lists of writing prompts.

Then I found this:

Write a letter to your 5-year-old self.

Ok, then.

Dear 5-year-old Nia: Remember that time in Sunday school when you learned about the Golden Rule? That was only half of the story. Never stop being kind and helpful but be aware that not everyone lives by that same rule. There are a lot of people who see niceness as weakness. Its OK to stick up for yourself. Its OK to be rude if the situation warrants it.

Its also OK to be really flawed. Everyone has flaws, and the ones with the most flaws are usually the ones who will point out yours.

Never give up on your dreams.

Dont just march to the beat of your own drummer, turn up the volume and dance to it.

One day in the future, youre going to google things to write about. Dont sweat it.

Lania Rocha is a staff writer for the Genesee County View. Contact her at lrocha@mihomepaper.com.

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The result of ideas to get the creative juices flowing - Davison Index - Davisonindex